News Flash

Pender County Utilities continues to move forward with the permitting phase for the proposed Membrane Water Treatment Plant in Hampstead. As part of this process, the department has received questions from community members regarding the planned effluent discharge associated with the project. 

In response, Pender County Utilities is sharing key information to help inform the public ahead of an upcoming public meeting, where additional details will be presented and questions will be addressed.

Discharge Flow

The permitted discharge flow will range from 150–500 gallons per minute, which is approximately 0.3–1.1 cubic feet per second.

Water Quality

• The discharge originates from deep groundwater, not surface water.
• Because minerals are naturally concentrated underground, the water is considered brackish, not seawater-saline.
• The primary components are naturally occurring minerals found in the aquifer.
• Only two treatment chemicals are used: a small amount of acid for pH adjustment and an antiscalant to protect the membranes—both are standard and widely used in water treatment.
• The discharge contains no sediment, sludge, biological material, pathogens, or bacteria, as the source water is drawn from approximately 200 feet below ground.
• A complete set of sampling results and the permit application package will be available for public review.

 Public Information Meeting

• Date: January 14, 2026
•  Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Pender County Hampstead Annex, 15060 US-17, Hampstead, NC 28443 

Members of our project team, along with the design engineers from CDM Smith, will be onsite to provide information and answer questions.

We appreciate the community’s engagement and look forward to an open, informative discussion about this important project.

Pender County Utilities urges all residents to take immediate precautions as extreme cold temperatures are forecasted for the next several nights. These conditions can cause pipes to freeze and burst in a short amount of time, leading to costly repairs, water damage, and potential service disruptions. Residents are encouraged to take action today to help protect their plumbing.

“With extremely cold temperatures expected, frozen pipes can happen quickly and often result in avoidable damage,” said Brian Terry, Chief Operating Officer of Pender County Utilities. “A few simple precautions taken now can make a significant difference, and our team will have personnel standing by to respond in the event of an emergency.”

Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Drip faucets: Allow a slow, steady drip from indoor faucets, particularly those on exterior walls, to keep water moving.

• Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap pipes located in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, basements, garages, and attics with insulation or pipe sleeves.

• Open cabinet doors: Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.

• Disconnect outdoor hoses: Remove and drain hoses from outdoor spigots and shut off water to exterior faucets if possible.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, do not use open flames to thaw it. Use gentle heat such as a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels instead. If a pipe bursts, shut off your main water valve immediately and contact a licensed plumber.

Customers experiencing a water-related emergency are encouraged to contact the Pender County Utilities office at (910) 259-1570.

Stay warm, stay prepared, and take steps today to protect your pipes.

At Monday’s Pender County Board of Commissioners meeting, executive leadership from Pender County Utilities presented a resolution aimed at protecting the long-term reliability and quality of the county’s raw water supply. The Board voted unanimously to approve the resolution, reinforcing Pender County’s commitment to safeguarding this critical resource for all residents.

Why This Matters to Pender County

Pender County’s Water Treatment Plant, located on Highway 421, relies on the Cape Fear River as its primary raw water source. The County is currently permitted to withdraw 6 million gallons per day (MGD) from the river and is actively pursuing an additional 5 MGD, anticipated to be purchased from Brunswick County before 2028. This ongoing expansion is essential to support rapid residential and commercial growth throughout the county.

However, a new proposal by the Town of Fuquay-Varina poses a potential threat to this water supply. During a recent meeting of the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority (LCFWASA), it was announced that Fuquay-Varina is seeking an Interbasin Transfer (IBT) certificate to withdraw 6.17MGD from the Cape Fear River and discharge the residuals into the Neuse River. This would permanently move 6.17 million gallons of water out of the Cape Fear River Basin.

Potential Impacts on Pender County

If approved in its current form, the proposed IBT could:

• Reduce available water flow downstream during periods of drought or low river levels.
• Increase vulnerability to water shortages for Pender County residents, businesses, and essential services.
• Affect water quality, as lower flows can concentrate pollutants and impact treatment processes.
• Undermine long-term planning, especially as Pender County prepares for additional withdrawal capacity to support future demand.

Because Pender County is directly downstream of the proposed transfer, these impacts could be felt acutely by residents relying on the Cape Fear River for safe, consistent water service.

Regional Utilities Take Unified Action

Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, utilities across the Lower Cape Fear region are coordinating their response and preparing to formally petition the North Carolina General Assembly. They are asking lawmakers to deny the IBT as currently proposed or, at a minimum, require Fuquay-Varina to return the water it withdraws to the Cape Fear River Basin rather than diverting it permanently.

“As we’ve said, they can borrow water from the river, but they need to put back what they take,” the statement reads. “The request is straightforward: reject the IBT as proposed and require Fuquay-Varina to return the withdrawn water to the Cape Fear River Basin.”

To support this unified regional response, municipalities, utilities, and business and environmental groups have passed resolutions. These resolutions must be completed, reviewed, and signed by respective Board Chairs before the first public hearing scheduled for 6 PM on December 4, 2025, in Fayetteville. 

Pender County’s Position

By approving the resolution, Pender County:

• Affirms its opposition to the IBT in its current form;
• Advocates for protecting the Cape Fear River Basin, ensuring water remains within the system that supports local communities.
• Stand with regional partners in a coordinated effort to protect water resources for current and future generations.

Why Residents Should Care

Water is one of Pender County’s most essential assets—supporting families, schools, hospitals, farms, businesses, fire protection, and future growth. Even small shifts in river flow can have large downstream impacts on water availability and quality. Ensuring that the Cape Fear River Basin is protected is vital to:

• Maintaining reliable water supply year-round
• Supporting economic development and planned growth
• Protecting public health and environmental health
• Ensuring resilience during droughts, emergencies, and future climate conditions

Pender County Water & Sewer remains committed to transparency, proactive planning, and advocating for the best interests of its residents.

Help Protect Our Drinking Water - Safeguarding the Lower Cape Fear’s water supply is vital for our community's future, and we need your help to protect it. Residents, business owners, and local leaders are strongly encouraged to make their voices heard.

How to get involved:

Attend a Public Hearing: Join one of the scheduled sessions. (We have also requested an additional hearing specifically for our region and will provide updates soon.)

Submit Written Comments: If you cannot attend in person, your written feedback is just as important. You may use previous statements or the information provided here to help draft your remarks.

Send comments to:Maya Holcomb, Division of Water Resources Address: 512 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, N.C. 27604 Email: maya.holcomb@deq.nc.gov, deadline April 1, 2026

Today, Pender County Utilities leadership, including Executive Director Anthony Colon and Chief Operating Officer Brian Terry, met with State Representative Carson Smith and Pender County Lobbyist David Ferrell to discuss critical funding needs and long-term water and sewer priorities for Pender County. Also participating were members of the Pender County Board of Commissioners, the Executive Director, and a Board Member of the Lower Cape Fear Water & Sewer Authority, and leadership from the Town of Atkinson.

The discussion focused on several key areas:

• Sewer Service: Outlined proposed sewer infrastructure improvements in the Town of Atkinson, along with plans to enhance sewer service and address infrastructure needs in the Rocky Point area.
• Water Service Expansion Along Highway 421: Presented a three-phase plan to extend water service to residents along Highway 421 near the Sampson County line.
• Operational and Technology: Reviewed current infrastructure challenges and highlighted recent technology upgrades designed to improve system reliability, operational efficiency, and the customer experience.

A comprehensive master project plan is being developed and will be shared with Representative Smith and Lobbyist David Ferrell to support advocacy efforts for future state budget funding.

Pender County Utilities Surface Water Treatment Plant has been recognized by the N.C. Division of Water Resources, part of the Department of Environmental Quality, for exceeding state and federal drinking water standards in 2024.

The facility earned the N.C. Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) Award, which honors water systems that go beyond regulatory requirements to provide safe, high-quality drinking water.

This year, 63 water treatment plants statewide received the award. AWOP is a state initiative designed to improve the performance of surface water treatment facilities.

The recognition is based on outstanding turbidity removal — a measure of water clarity and quality. While all drinking water systems must meet strict regulations, award-winning facilities consistently achieve even higher performance goals.

Pender County Utilities staff joined an educational event at Lock and Dam No. 1 on the Cape Fear River in recognition of Source Water Protection Week.

The event focused on raising awareness about the importance of protecting rivers, lakes, and groundwater that supply public drinking water systems throughout the Cape Fear region.

The Cape Fear River is one of the primary raw water sources for Pender County’s drinking water system, supporting public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. During the event, staff shared information about how the county safeguards this resource and provided updates on projects designed to enhance water quality for customers across Pender County.

“This event highlights how important it is for everyone—residents, businesses, and local governments—to work together to protect our source water,” said Brian Terry, chief operating officer of Pender County Utilities. “Clean source water is the foundation for safe, reliable drinking water, and protecting it benefits both current and future generations.”

The Source Water Protection Week event featured educational displays and opportunities for the public to learn about reducing pollution and safeguarding waterways.

By participating in this regional outreach effort, Pender County Utilities reaffirmed its commitment to proactive source water protection, ongoing infrastructure improvements, and collaboration with partners to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Cape Fear River watershed.

Pender County homeowners with private wells have an opportunity to save this fall. From October through December 2025, Pender County Utilities will reduce its water tap fee from the standard $5,382 to $2,500 for qualifying properties.

The limited-time offer makes it easier for residents to connect to the county’s safe, reliable water system. By connecting, homeowners benefit from dependable water service, minimal maintenance, and added property value.

Homeowners who qualify include those with existing private or inactive wells and county water lines along their property. To be eligible for the reduced rate, applicants must apply and connect within 90 days of approval.

Benefits of connecting to county water include:

• Safe, reliable water supply

• No electricity required

• Minimal maintenance

• Increased home value

• Smart billing that helps detect leaks early

For more information or to apply, contact Pender County Utilities at 910-259-1570.

Pender County Utilities is informing customers of a temporary change to the appearance of their monthly utility bills following the unexpected and unannounced closure of its third-party mailing vendor, Professional Mail Services, Inc., on May 9, 2025.

As the County works through the required procurement process to select a new mailing provider, a temporary internal billing solution has been implemented to ensure continuity in service. Customers will now receive a utility bill generated directly from the County’s billing software. Although this interim bill may appear different from those previously issued, it remains a valid and accurate representation of utility charges.

Key Details About the Temporary Billing Format:

• Bills include a summary of the customer’s account and current charges.
• Bills are available through the Customer Self-Service Portal at https://mss.pendercountync.gov/css/.
• The temporary bill does not include a scheduled disconnection date or the amount of any late penalties.

Action Requested:

Pender County Utilities strongly encourages customers with outstanding balances to remit payment by June 15, 2025, to avoid late penalties or disruption in service. Staying current on account balances is essential during this transition.

“We understand this change may raise questions, and our team is here to help,” said Brian Terry, Water and Sewer Superintendent for Pender County Utilities. “We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding as we move toward a permanent solution.”

For assistance understanding the new bill format or for questions about an account, customers may contact the Pender County Utilities Customer Service Team at (910) 259-1570, Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

View SAMPLE BILL

Pender County Utilities (PCU) is actively preparing for the extreme cold temperatures forecasted to impact the Southeast this week. In collaboration with the Emergency Operations Director, the department is taking proactive measures to ensure the County’s water systems remain operational and ready to respond to potential impacts caused by the severe weather.

“As temperatures drop, it’s important that we all take steps to prevent frozen pipes, which can lead to significant damage and expensive repairs,” said Brian Terry, Water & Sewer Superintendent.

PCU urges residents to take the following precautions:

• Drip faucets: Allow a small, steady drip—about one gallon per hour or a few drips per second. This helps keep water moving in pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
• Insulate pipes: Protect exposed pipes with insulation to minimize their exposure to cold air.
• Open cabinets: Leave cabinet doors open in areas with plumbing to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

“A faucet dripping just 24 gallons a day—less than what’s used in a 15-minute shower—can prevent frozen or burst pipes,” Terry explained.

PCU assures residents that personnel will be available to respond promptly to any water-related emergencies throughout the storm. “We are dedicated to supporting our community’s safety and well-being during this cold weather event,” the department stated.

Residents experiencing water-related emergencies should contact Pender County Utilities immediately at (910) 471-1041.

PENDER COUNTY, N.C. — The North Carolina Division of Water Resources has recognized 79 water treatment facilities statewide, including the Pender County Utilities Surface Water Treatment Plant, for exceeding federal and state drinking water standards in 2023.

The division’s Public Water Supply Section presented the facilities the N.C. Area Wide Optimization Award, an honor aimed at improving the performance of surface water treatment plants across the state.

The award highlights exceptional turbidity removal, a critical measure of water quality. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by particles that can interfere with disinfection and create an environment for microbial growth, including potentially harmful bacteria and viruses.

“We are deeply grateful for the hard work and commitment of the water treatment operators who successfully met the water quality optimization goals required to achieve this award,” said Anthony Colon, Pender County Utilities Executive Director. “Their professionalism and dedication are a true testament to the caliber of employees Pender County Utilities is proud to hire, support, and develop for the future.”

Although all public drinking water systems must meet stringent state and federal standards, the award recognizes systems that achieved performance goals significantly more rigorous than required.

In 2023, more than 3.6 million North Carolina residents were served by the award-winning facilities, underscoring the state’s dedication to providing safe, high-quality drinking water.

For more details about this recognition and Pender County Utilities' continued efforts, look forward to more information at future Board of Commissioners meetings.

Read the full press release from the NC Department of Environmental Quality.  

BURGAW, NC — Pender County Utilities is proud to announce that Kurt Lonander has been recognized as the 2024 NC One Water Wastewater Collections Operator of the Year. This prestigious award highlights Lonander’s exceptional contributions and dedication to his profession.

Lonander’s career with Pender County Utilities has been marked by significant achievements. Starting as a maintenance technician, he advanced to his current role as superintendent of the Melinda B. Knoerzer Adaptive Ecosystem Wastewater Treatment Plant. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in managing the operations of the treatment plant and the sewer collection system for the Pender County Commerce Park.

As the sole operator during the system’s early stages, Lonander demonstrated extraordinary responsibility. His ability to build and lead a team, including a wastewater operator and a maintenance technician, further reflects his effectiveness as a leader. His oversight of the industrial pretreatment program has ensured the county maintains high environmental standards.

“Kurt’s dedication sets him apart,” said Anthony Colon, Executive Director of Pender County Utilities. “His commitment and work ethic have a profound impact, making a real difference for our community.”

Lonander’s contributions serve as a benchmark for excellence in the industry, and his peers regard him as a role model. Pender County Utilities congratulates him on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to his continued success.

Pender County, NC –Pender County Utilities proudly announces Erin Jones as the new Surface Water Treatment Plant Superintendent, marking a historic appointment as the first female to hold this esteemed position within the organization.

Throughout her professional career, she has shown dedication to career development in the field of water treatment. In 2019, she graduated with a degree in marine technology from Cape Fear Community College. After graduating, Erin joined Pender County Utilities as a water plant operator in 2020, consistently earning new surface water treatment licenses each year.

Erin’s rise within the organization showcases her capability and dedication. In 2023, she was promoted to Chief Operator, where she gained valuable knowledge from the Plant Superintendent, further deepening her expertise in water treatment operations. Now, as she steps into the superintendent role, Erin is strategically focused on optimizing treatment methods for removing organic compounds and “forever contaminants,” addressing the evolving challenges in water management.

Anthony Colon, Executive Director of Pender County Utilities, expressed his confidence in Erin’s ability to lead the organization into the future, stating, “Erin’s dedication and expertise have been evident since she joined our team. Her unwavering commitment to improving water treatment processes and ensuring safe water for our community is truly commendable. We are thrilled to have her at the helm and look forward to the positive impact she will make.”

Erin’s appointment underscores Pender County Utilities’ commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within its leadership ranks. As she assumes her new role, Erin remains dedicated to ensuring the community’s access to safe, efficient, and sustainable water resources.